The Michigan Veterans Affair Agency (MVAA) has recognized Cleary University as a Gold Level Veteran-Friendly School (VFS) for the third consecutive academic year.
The VFS program, established in 2015, acknowledges schools committed to supporting the needs of veterans and military-connected students. The MVAA awards these institutions gold, silver or bronze level status based on their veteran-focused services and programs.
“We are incredibly grateful to these veteran-friendly schools for their exemplary dedication and commitment to supporting and empowering military-connected learners,” says Brian Love, MVAA director. “Their efforts play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for veterans and service members. Making the transition from boots and a helmet to a cap and gown can be a daunting process, but the guidance and resources from their academic institution is a game changer for our veterans. We look forward to continuing to work together with these veteran-friendly schools to further enhance the educational opportunities and experiences available for our military-connected population across the state.”
Schools that earn Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly status from the MVAA must meet at least six of the following criteria:
- Have an established process for identifying current student veterans
- Post a veteran-specific website
- Establish an active student veteran organization or club
- Provide veteran-specific career services, resources, advising or outcome monitoring
- Have an on-campus veterans’ coordinator or a designated staff contact
- Establish a system to evaluate and award academic credit that is based on prior military training and experience
- Monitor and evaluate student veteran academic retention, progress and graduation rates
Cleary University met all seven of the MVAA requirements.
“Cleary University’s focus is to provide extensive resources and an affordable, quality education for our veterans and members of the military in appreciation for their service to our country,” says Jeremy Walker, senior vice president of Enrollment Management at Cleary University and a USMC veteran. “Our goal is to help these individuals achieve their academic and professional goals quickly, easily, flexibly and conveniently.”
Cleary offers these robust services and resources for veterans and members of the military:
- A 50 percent tuition match (up to $1,000 a semester) for active military and honorably discharged veterans through its Yellow Ribbon Enhancement program
- A 50 percent military grant for active military or honorably discharged veterans (after non-loan aid has been applied)
- A military-guaranteed tuition rate for those called into active duty while studying at Cleary
- College credits up to 15 semester hours (60 credits) for each year of active military service
- A fast-track program for veterans to earn their degree quickly
- A Veterans Resource Center that provides support for current and future veteran students to improve their academic advancement and career path
- An on-campus dedicated veteran’s coordinator
- Peer support and mentoring services
- Tuition assistance and financial aid
- Counseling services and career advising specifically for veterans
- An active student veteran organization
Cleary University also has received these military accolades:
- Best for Vets College in 2022 and 2023
- 2016 Military Friendly Employer
- 2018 Top Colleges and Universities for Military Advanced Education & Transition
- 2017, 2021, 2022 Military Friendly School designation
About the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA)
MVAA is a state government agency and the central coordinating agency that provides support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families. The agency works to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, healthcare and quality of life, making Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. MVAA works with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, state departments, county agencies and community and veterans service organizations to create a no-wrong door access to benefits and services.
About Cleary University
Founded in 1883, Cleary University is a four-year, private, non-profit accredited university, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees from a unique Business Arts curriculum, and driven by a faculty of thought leaders with deep, practical experience in their industries. The university offers on-campus and online education models, a robust athletic program of 19 sports, and a rich residence life with nearly 200 students living on the quiet, rolling 50-acre campus. Cleary graduates tend to land jobs faster than their peers and with higher earning salaries at the start of their careers.
Cleary’s campus is located at 3750 Cleary Drive, Howell, MI 48843, (800) 686-1883 with an education center within the Durfee Innovation Society at 2470 Collingwood St., Detroit, MI 48206.
To learn more about the services Cleary University offers veterans and members of the military, call the school at 800.686.1883 ext 1154 or send an email to veterans@cleary.edu.
